Items dispenser

ABSTRACT

An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient&#39;s health care provider&#39;s facility, such as in the patient&#39;s home.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to devices for dispensing items. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a networked, programmable,automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individualpatients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapyregimen at locations generally separate from a health care provider'sfacility, such as their homes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Almost half of the 3 billion prescriptions that are written each year byhealth care providers are taken incorrectly by patients. That negativelyaffects the health of the 46% of the American population that useprescription medication. It is estimated that health care providersspend about half of the time during regular appointments withprescription dependent patients discussing the patient's use of his orher medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. Accordingly,various dispensing devices have been developed to help patients adhereto those protocols or regimens.

Devices for dispensing small and large items are well know in the art.They include the ubiquitous vending machines used for automaticallydispensing foods, drinks, tickets, and other items. In the health careindustry, automated and manual dispensing devices are used for, amongother things, segregating, controlling, and dispensing a wide range ofmedicaments, such as pills, vials, and packets. They are also used formanaging the distribution and restocking of expensive instruments andlaboratory supplies.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,163,737 and 5,047,948, for example, each disclose asystem and apparatus for dispensing pills and medical supply equipment.U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,392 discloses a medication dispenser with main,selection, and exit compartments located within a housing.

Other related dispensing art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,760,643;6,758,370; 6,640,159; 6,385,505; 6,272,394; 6,151,536; 6,115,649;5,940,306; 5,927,540; and 5,883,806.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,048 discloses a vacuum operated system forindividually dispensing medicines from a bulk storage container to auser, where the medicine is dispensed under computer control, and thequantity and type of medicine is selected in advance by the user. Thedisclosed invention includes dispensing equipment and a computer thatprovides a user interface. Storage containers are arranged in arotatable carousel or a rectilinear array that may contain variouspharmaceutical articles, or various types, dosages, ages, and lotnumbers of medicines. The patent discloses that after a user enterscertain data into the computer, a universal vacuum probe is insertedwithin the storage container that contains the desired items, is loweredto the desired storage container, and engages with a container probethat is exclusive to that storage container. After a vacuum sourcecreates suction within the universal vacuum probe and the containerprobe, the universal vacuum probe and the container probe individuallyextract items from the storage container.

Related U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,468,110 and 5,593,267 disclose a system foridentifying and dispensing pre-coded packets containing medications thatare stored in a dispensing facility, such as a pharmacy at a hospital.The system, which uses an optical bar-code reader, retrieves theindividual packets using a vacuum system.

Programmable medical items dispensing devices have been around for anumber of years. Many of them are computer operated and networked,allowing a remote operator to program and manipulate the devices byentering commands from a remote machine. However, none of those priordevices is adapted to being used by a patient at home who is enrolled ina prescribed medication protocol or medication therapy regimen under thesupervision of a physician whereby the device is remotely programmableto allow the physician to modify the delivery of items to the patientover the course of time, that also has a restocking feature to minimizewaste and enable counting of the number of items remaining in the bulkstorage receptacle, and that also has other features for encouraging andmonitoring a patient's adherence to his or her medication protocol ormedication therapy regimen. Accordingly, there exists a need for such adevice.

In particular, there exists a need for a system that provides aneffective solution for both patients and health care providers regardingthe patient's adherence or compliance with complicated medicationregimens. Such a system should enhance the interaction between thepatient and health care provider by allowing the health care provider tomonitor the medication intake or modify the medication schedule, as wellas by automating the storage and dispensing functions.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a dispenser for use by a patient at a location generallyseparate from the patient's health care provider and that allows thepatient and the patient's health care provider to monitor and assurepatient adherence or compliance with a prescribed medication protocol ormedication therapy regimen.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensingapparatus having storage receptacles containing different items, anumber of temporary storage receptacles for receiving the differentitems from the storage receptacles, and a receptacle tray for receivingand then dispensing the different items to a person according to atime-sensitive prescribed protocol.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide amedication dispensing apparatus that enhances patient adherence to aprescribed medication protocol or medication therapy regimen whileminimizing direct oversight by health care providers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensingapparatus having a microprocessor and motor(s) for automated control ofthe system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide acommunications device associated with a dispensing apparatus forallowing an operator, such as a health care provider or third party, toremotely control the automated functions of the dispensing apparatus andto receive status information from the dispensing apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vacuum systemincorporated into a dispensing apparatus for selectively moving a knownquantity of items from one or more storage receptacles to a number oftemporary storage receptacles or directly to a dispensing receptacle.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide adispensing apparatus having an electronic input interface associatedwith a keyboard or keypad (for receiving instructions from a user), aninput interface associated with a number of different instruments (forreceiving electronic signals from the instruments such as asphygmomanometer, glucometer, or other healthcare monitoring device),and an input interface associated with a microphone (for receiving oralcommands using voice recognition technology) and a speaker for providingauditory information.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensingapparatus having an electronic output interface associated with adisplay (for displaying information) and outputting an audible signal(such as an alarm or voice information/instructions).

It is still another object of the present invention to provide adispensing apparatus that is adapted to reducing or increasing, over apre-determined time period, the number and frequency of items beingdispensed from the apparatus as in a medication titration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensor fordetecting the presence and weight of a dispensing tray in a dispensingapparatus to determine the number of pills in the tray.

Briefly described, these and other objects and features of the presentinvention are accomplished, as embodied and fully described herein, by adispenser system having three main parts: (1) the dispenser; (2) ahealth care provider's interface; and (3) a human-machine interface. Thesystem is capable of bulk storing, segregating, and temporarily storingmedicaments (primarily solid, semi-solid, and liquid medications) forin-home use by a patient enrolled in a prescribed medication protocol ormedication therapy regimen. The medicaments are either dispensed fromthe temporary storage receptacles to the user for distribution, or theyare returned to the bulk storage receptacles for future use based on auser's, a third parties', or a physician's input. The dispenser isdesigned for a home environment. It is capable of communicating over theInternet (or by other telecommunications method such as a phone modem)through a user-friendly interface for remote monitoring and control. Inone embodiment, it can stock up to three month's worth of preferably 24different medications, which can be loaded in a bulk fashion from theiroriginal bulk packaging. It stores the pills in separate trays(receptacles) and it allows for their individual unloading. The devicewill alert the user of the dispenser, by several different means, ofimportant actions such as medication to be taken, messages sent by thehealth care provider, or modifications made to their prescriptions ormedication protocol or medication therapy regimen.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a central cylindrical hollowcore is disposed within an outer core and is adapted to being slid alongits longitudinal axis relative to the outer core. The hollow core isadapted to receive, on a first end, one or more small items. It isadapted to transport those small items through the hollow core by way ofgravity or other means. It is adapted to dispense the small itemsthrough a second end into a fixed receptacle that is accessible by theuser.

In a first resting position of the hollow core, the first end of thehollow core forms part of a wall of a plurality of temporary storagereceptacles disposed around the periphery of the hollow core. In thatposition, the temporary storage receptacles are adapted to receive thesmall items from an associated bulk storage receptacle using a vacuum orother system.

In a second position of the hollow core, the first end of the hollowcore is moved upward along its longitudinal axis thereby revealing anopening in the wall of the central core and causing the small items inone or more of the temporary receptacles to be displaced into the hollowcore and dispensed as described above.

In a third position of the hollow core, the first end of the hollow coreis instead moved downward along its longitudinal axis thereby revealingan opening to one or more bulk storage receptacles associated with eachof the temporary storage receptacles and causing the small items to bedisplaced back into their bulk storage receptacles.

Thus, depending on which direction the hollow core is moved, the smallitems in the temporary storage receptacles will either be dispensed tothe user or returned to bulk storage.

In the second embodiment of the invention, a longitudinally extendingflat tray having a plurality of concave temporary storage receptacles isused to hold the small items. The tray is adapted to being rotated aboutits central longitudinal axis to one of three positions.

In a first neutral or resting position, a plurality of bulk storagereceptacles are disposed on one side of the tray and a single orplurality of dispensing receptacles are disposed on the opposite side ofthe tray.

In a second position of the tray, the tray is rotated about itslongitudinal axis in the direction of the dispenser containers therebymoving the temporary storage receptacles proximate the dispensingreceptacles and causing the small items in one or more of the temporaryreceptacles to be displaced into the dispensing receptacles.

In a third position of the tray, the tray is instead rotated about itslongitudinal axis in the direction of the bulk storage receptaclesthereby moving the temporary storage receptacles proximate to the bulkstorage receptacles and causing the small items in one or more of thetemporary receptacles to be displaced back into the bulk storagereceptacles.

Thus, depending on which direction the tray is rotated, the small itemsin the temporary storage receptacles will either be dispensed to theuser or returned to bulk storage. Alternatively, the tray may havetemporary storage receptacles that are adaptable to being opened suchthat the small items drop through an opening in the floor of thereceptacles into either the dispensing receptacles or the bulk storagereceptacles.

In the third embodiment of the invention, a removable tray is usedhaving a plurality of receptacles that are adaptable to being temporarystorage receptacles and dispensing receptacles. Rotating the tray aboutits longitudinal central axis causes the small items in the receptaclesto be restocked in the bulk storage receptacles. Removing the trayallows the user to collect the contents of the receptacles. Theremovable tray may also be implemented in each of the other twoembodiments described above.

Each of the embodiments additionally may include one or more of thefollowing features: a sensor for detecting the presence and/or weight ofthe removable tray; a diagnostic instrument in communication with theapparatus, such as a portable heart or blood pressure monitor; anelectric motor; a vacuum system; a microprocessor; input/output devices;an alarm; a communications device; associated software.

The vacuum system of the present invention is best implemented in one oftwo ways, although other methods not specifically mentioned are alsocontemplated. In the first implementation, the vacuum system isconnected to an items selector that can be inserted into the bulk itemsstorage receptacles from above the bulk items storage receptacles suchthat the vacuum system creates a vacuum at the tip of the items selectorthat is used to pull a single small item from the bulk items storagereceptacles and deposit the same in the temporary storage receptacles.In the second implementation, the vacuum system is connected to an itemsselector that can be inserted into the bulk items storage receptaclesfrom below the bulk items storage receptacles such that the vacuumsystem creates a vacuum at the tip of the items selector that is used topush a single small item from the bulk items storage receptacles anddeposit the same in the temporary storage receptacles.

With these and other objects, advantages, and features of the inventionthat may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may bemore clearly understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of the invention, the appended claims and to the severaldrawings attached herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the dispensing apparatus according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of some of the structure making up thedispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view drawing of some of thestructure making up the dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section perspective view drawing of the dispensingapparatus according to another embodiment of the present inventionshowing the dispensing apparatus in a pre-load configuration;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section perspective view drawing of the dispensingapparatus shown in FIG. 4 in which the items selector is in afully-extended configuration;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section perspective view drawing of the dispensingapparatus shown in FIG. 4 in which the dispensing apparatus is in adispensing configuration;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section perspective view drawing of the dispensingapparatus shown in FIG. 4 in which the dispensing apparatus is in arestocking configuration;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view drawing of another embodimentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view drawing of still another embodimentaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a typical interface screen display used by ahealth care practitioner to enter commands and information into thedispensing apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Several preferred embodiments of the invention are described forillustrative purposes, it being understood that the invention may beembodied in other forms not specifically shown in the drawings.

Turning first to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective drawing of adispensing apparatus (or “dispenser”) 100 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The dispenser 100 has a rectangular housing 102.It is envisioned that the housing 102 can have any suitable size andshape that is different than that shown in FIG. 1 without deviating fromthe nature and scope of the invention. For example, the housing 102could be cylindrically shaped and it could have a convex top, or itcould be more squat and rectangular. The housing 102 should have abottom surface that is capable of supporting the dispenser 100 on a flatsurface, such as a desk or countertop, without the need for additionalstructure. It should form an interior space that is sufficiently largeto completely enclose the structural components of the dispenser 100(described below). Depending on the type of dispenser 100, the housing102 may also provide for ventilation for heat-generating devices,insulate against heat transfer, be insulated to prevent electricalconduction, be insulated to minimize sound/noise conduction and beaesthetically pleasing.

The housing 102 includes a dispenser opening 104 located on at least oneside or portion of the housing. Typically, the dispenser opening 104 islocated near the bottom of the housing 102, especially where gravity isused to assist in dispensing items from the dispenser 100, but thedispenser opening 104 may also be located near the top of the dispenser100 or at any other suitable location. The dispenser opening 104provides a point of access between the interior of the dispenser 100 andthe exterior of the dispenser 100. That is, the dispenser opening 104allows a person to manually retrieve an item that was previously storedinside the dispenser 100. The dispenser opening 104 could include adevice for closing or sealing the dispenser opening 104, such as ahinged or slidable door (not shown) that can be locked.

The housing 102 also includes a supply opening 106 located on at leastone side or portion of the housing. Typically, the supply opening 106 islocated near the top of the housing 102, or where it is convenient for auser or operator of the dispenser 100 to access the interior storagereceptacles (described later). The supply opening 106 may include ahinged, lockable door 108 for closing or sealing the supply opening 106.

Positioned on or near the top of the dispenser 100, or at anotherappropriate location, preferably at a suitable angle for ease of use bya user or operator of the dispenser 100, is an interface communicationsdevice 110. The communications device 110 structure is used foraccomplishing various interface functions. For example, thecommunications device 100 may include a transceiver or communicationsnetwork interface card (not shown) for sending and receiving electronicinstruction commands to and from a user or operator of the dispenser100.

The communications device 110 may also include a keypad or keyboard (notshown) that allows the user or operator to input signals directly intothe dispenser 100. The keypad buttons are simple momentary buttons.

The communications device 110 may also include a display, such as anliquid crystal display, for communicating information in the form ofindicia (i.e., alpha-numeric, symbolic, etc.) relevant to the dispenser100. A suitable liquid crystal display has an 8×24 character-basedserial display.

The communications device 110 may also include an audible or visualalarm and a speaker. The alarm must produce a sound at a minimum of 65dBA for a critical situation. Preferably, a gradually escalating alarmis used, which allows the user to set the volume depending on his or herhearing abilities. The frequency or tone should be between about300-3,000 Hz. The visual alarm may simply be a backlit liquid crystaldisplay.

Finally, the communications device 110 should include USB and PSt2ports, or some other connectivity port developed or adopted in thefuture, and may include a variety of other ports such as infrared,serial, and other types that can be used for a barcode scanner, or otherperipherals in future enhancements, or for electronic monitoringdevices, such as pulse, respiration, blood glucose (glucometer), bloodpressure (sphygmomanometer), and temperature instruments, and a scale.

Other features and aspects of the communications device 110 and thenetworking feature of the dispenser 100 are described in the companionpatent application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filedconcurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

A printed circuit board 112 and a microprocessor 114 (not shown) arelocated inside the housing 102 of the dispenser 100. They areoperatively connected to at least one direct current motor 116. Themicroprocessor 114 is used to control the various electronic devices ofthe dispenser 100 and their various functions. It is preferably anembedded microcomputer running a version of Linux that provides Ethernetand serial and 16 parallel inputs and outputs.

The operating software manages several different tasks. First it reads,processes, and outputs signals to and from the various communicationsdevices such as the communications device 110. That may be accomplishedby a non-blocking routine, which may be called from anywhere in thesoftware, as long as it is called frequently enough to be transparent tothe user. The actual menus being displayed may be stored as a doublylinked list that stores both the name to display and a pointer to afunction, to run when that item is selected. The doubly linked listallows the menus to be created at any time based on the items currentlystored in the dispenser 100. Being doubly linked, it can be traversedforward and backwards easily when the user presses the up and downbuttons on the keypad.

Information about the items currently stored in the dispenser 100 may bestored in a flat text file. The information includes the location orposition information of the items in the bulk items storage container124 and the temporary storage container 128. The information alsoincludes the name of the item, the size of the item, the quantity of theitem to be dispensed, the frequency and time for dispensing the items,and a count of the total number of items. Where the item is amedication, the stored information also includes a flag if themedication is a pro re nata (PRN; or “take as needed”) medication (e.g.,a pain medication), the time between doses, the maximum number of thattype of medication that can be taken per day, if any, the number ofpills in the dispenser 100, the last time the medication wassuccessfully taken, the half life of the medication, other relevantpharmacokinetic information, the dosing protocols, and a short noteabout how to take the medication. The dispenser will input allinformation about how to administer the medicaments, the standard timingfor continuous medications, the rules for PRN medications (i.e., maximumdose and minimum time interval between doses), titration schedules forspecific medications, late or missed medication protocols, informationabout previous doses that may affect subsequent doses, the timesmedications were actually taken (for a day or until such information istransferred for storage to a remote server), and display messages. Thehistorical information about usage should be maintained in memory. Localstorage of all the data, including a web server to interface with oralternatively store data on a remote third party server or on the healthcare practitioner workstation, may also be used. Storage on a remoteserver is preferred to ensure the integrity and accessibility of thedata by health care practitioners.

Event logs contain entries for everything of note that occurred relatedto the dispenser 100. For example, each dispensed item that is removedfrom the dispenser 100 is logged, as well as when an item is dispensedand not removed. The log also records the time when items are retrievedto track if they are used earlier or later than scheduled or missed.Thus, if the predispensed items are called for (button push) they areimmediately dropped into the dispenser tray 206 (as best seen in FIG.2). Then if that dispenser tray 206 is removed (monitored) it is assumedto mean that the medicament was taken. The reason the dispenser tray 206is monitored is to, among other things, know that it has been replacedso that subsequent dispensed items do not fall into the inside of theitems dispenser 100 and cause a malfunction.

The motor 116 is used to dynamically move devices inside the dispenser100 to pre-determined positions. The motor 116 may also be used tocontrol ventilation, heating, and cooling of the system (i.e., byoperating a ventilation fan (not shown), a heating coil fan (not shown),and a refrigeration system (not shown)). The motor 116 may also be usedto generate a vacuum. The vacuum motor can be powered, for example, by alow side NMOS driver through a power MOSFET. Obviously, there may needto use multiple motors to accomplish the aforementioned requirements.

One of the devices inside the dispenser 100 that is dynamically moved bythe motor 116 is the items selector 118. The items selector 118 performsvarious functions. Its primary function is to move selected items fromone location to another within the dispenser 100. In the configurationsshown in FIG. 1, the items selector 118 is interconnected to andslidably attached to a track 120, which could be a lead screw drive orother suitable device, that is mounted to the housing 102. Thus, theitems selector 118 can be moved to any position along the track 120 inan up and down manner. Mechanical limit-switches are used to control therange of mechanical movement of the items selector 118 (anotherconfiguration for the items selector will be described in connectionwith the description of FIG. 4 below).

The items selector 118 includes a probe 130, which is alongitudinally-extending flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid hollow tube witha tip on one end. The other end is preferably connected to theaforementioned vacuum motor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,048 discloses asuitable device that could be modified for use in the dispenser 100(suitable devices may be available from Cardinal Health-Pyxis Products,San Diego, Calif.). The vacuum system allows the tip of the itemsselector 118 (not shown) to physically connect with and pull a selecteditem. A vacuum port 122 may be interconnected to the vacuum system usinga vacuum hose (as best seen in FIG. 4).

Instead of using a vacuum tip for the items selector 118, a mechanicalpincher- or claw-like device that physically grips a selected item couldbe used. The appropriate structure of the items selector 118 will, inpart, depend on the physical attributes of the selected item.Preferably, the selected item is a medicament, such as, but not limitedto, a pill, tablet, or capsule, but it may also be a package(containing, for example, a pill, tablet, or capsule), vial, ampoule,bandage, or other item. The pills may range in size from a peppercorn toa large multi-vitamin. Thus, the items selector 118 may need to have atip that is adapted to handle many different types and sizes of items.

Also located inside the housing 102 is a bulk items storage container124. The bulk items storage container 124 is interconnected to the motor116 using a worm gear set that allows it to be rotated 360 degrees in acarousel-like manner. Preferably, the motor 116 is provided withposition sensors (not shown). The motor 116 rotates freely over thesupport 214 (FIG. 2) where it stands.

The bulk items storage container 124 has several individual storagereceptacles 126 that can be used to store different items (e.g.,different types of medicines). The individual storage receptacles 126may need to be watertight. The individual storage receptacles 126 mayhave removable inserts (not shown) in the same shape as the receptaclesto facilitate cleaning. Preferably, the bottoms of the individualstorage receptacles 126 are sloped so that the items inside theindividual storage receptacles 126 are in close proximity to each otherand as the supply of items diminishes the items selector can locate thelast remaining items at the base of the slope (e.g. in the center). Theentire bulk items storage container 124, or the individual storagereceptacles 126 may be heated or refrigerated. The individual storagereceptacles 126 are disposed at the periphery of the bulk items storagecontainer 124. The top of each individual storage receptacle 126 can beleft open as shown, but they may be closed using individual lids (asbest seen in FIG. 3), if, for example, the content of the individualstorage receptacle 126 is a liquid and also to prevent spillage if thedispenser 100 is tilted.

During initial and subsequent use of the dispenser 100, a user opens thelockable door 108, pours items through the supply opening 106 into theappropriate individual storage receptacles 126. A chute (not shown) isused between the lockable door 108 and the individual storagereceptacles 126 to facilitate loading and avoid spillage. The entirebulk items storage container 124 then rotates to allow the user to loadadditional items.

Also located inside the housing 102 is a temporary storage container128. The temporary storage container 128 is axially mounted above thebulk items storage container 124. Preferably, the temporary storagecontainer 128 is divided into the same number of individual storagereceptacles as the individual bulk storage receptacles 126 associatedwith the bulk items storage container 124. The temporary storagecontainer 128 may be fixed, or be operated such that it rotates aboutthe same axis as the bulk items storage container 124. Like the bulkitems storage container 124, the top of each individual temporarystorage receptacle can be left open as shown, but they may be closedusing individual lids (as best seen in FIG. 3), if, for example, thecontent of the individual storage receptacle 126 is a liquid and also toprevent spillage if the dispenser 100 is tilted.

The housing 102 may also include a water storage tank, pump, and flowcontrol devices (not shown) for use in reconstituting liquids.

Turning now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a perspective drawing of some ofthe structure making up the dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, the storage and dispensing features include a carousel 208,which includes the bulk items storage container 124 axially aligned withthe temporary storage container 128 mounted on a longitudinallyextending central hollow delivery chute 210 (a better view of thecentral hollow delivery chute 210 is contained in FIG. 3, describedbelow). The entire apparatus is supported by support 214 and base 202.The delivery chute 210 is slidably engaged with respect to the bulkitems storage container 124 and the temporary storage container 128. Adispensing ramp 204 is disposed between the bottom of the delivery chute210 and an immovable or removable delivery tray 206.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of some of the structuremaking up the dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 1. The delivery chute 210includes a longitudinally extending hollow member 304 connected to ahead section 306. The head section 306 includes a plurality of openings302 disposed around its circumference. Each opening is a through-holeextending to the interior hollow portion of the longitudinally extendinghollow member 304. A sleeve or cover (not shown) can be used over theopenings 302 to avoid mixing items between the individual storagereceptacles 126, which could occur, for example, if the dispenser 100 istilted and the openings 302 are aligned with the openings of individualstorage receptacles 126.

At the top of the head section 306 is a cover or lid 308, which can befixed or removably attached to the head section 306, to minimizespillage of items stored in temporary storage container 128. The lid 308may cover the entire head section 306, or just part of it. As notedpreviously, individual lids can be used to cover each of the temporarystorage receptacles of the temporary storage container 128. A shroud 310is preferably installed over the temporary storage container 128 toprevent spills from the individual temporary storage receptacles whenthe dispenser 100 is tilted. The shroud 310 may include an opening thataligns with a single temporary storage receptacle during transfer of theitems from the bulk items storage container 124. A shroud 312, which maybe part of the shroud 310, may be installed over the bulk items storagecontainer 124 to prevent spills from the bulk items storage receptacles126 when the dispenser 100 is tilted. The shroud 312 may include anopening 314 that aligns with a single bulk items storage receptacle 126during transfer of the items from the bulk items storage container 124to the temporary storage container 128 (and is also used for loading thebulk items storage receptacles 126). A cover may be used to close theopening 314 and the opening on 310 when the dispenser 100 is nottransferring items from the bulk items storage container 124 to thetemporary storage container 128 or being loaded.

Some of the functional features of the present invention are nowdescribed.

The dispenser 100 is in data communication with a health care providerto allow patient communication with the health care provider and toallow the health care provider to perform various modifications to thedispenser 100 from a remote location. Data communications are preferablyachieved by sending and receiving electronic data via a modem or byother telecommunications methods through a third party server (the datamay also be uploaded directly into the system using a portableelectronic storage medium device).

In the configuration of the invention shown in the embodiments of FIGS.1-3 and FIGS. 4-7, the dispenser 100 preferably should be capable ofstoring about a 90-day supply of up to 12 unique items, such as 12unique types of medications. More preferably, there will be at least 24individual storage receptacles 126 on the bulk items storage container124, and 24 temporary storage receptacles on the temporary storagecontainer 128.

To bulk load the dispenser 100, the dispenser 100 identifies which itemis presented (using, for example, an optical system or monitoring for akeypad entry from a user), aligns the appropriate individual storagereceptacle 126 with the supply opening 106, allows the lockable door 108to be opened, and receives the items (which are poured into theindividual storage receptacles 126 in the manner previously described).Then, the entire bulk items storage container 124 rotates or resets to aneutral position to wait for the next item to be loaded. In the event anitem, such as a particular medicament, is no longer used, the user canopen the lockable door 108 and reach in and remove the individualtemporary storage receptacle inserts to be emptied and cleaned. A lockand key sensor detects when the individual temporary storage receptacleinserts are returned to their proper position.

The dispenser 100 is not intended to operate like a typical food vendingmachine or so-called gumball machine that drops an item directly intothe hand of the user. In many cases, that would not be practical wherethe patient may be suffering from biomechanical or neurological problemsand where a large number of items are to be dispensed in any given timeperiod. Thus, the dispenser 100 includes an immovable or removabledispensed items delivery tray allowing for a practical way of unloadingthe items from the temporary storage container 128. The delivery chute210 may be segmented and drop the items from each individual temporarystorage receptacle in the temporary storage container 128 intoindividual compartments in the delivery tray, which may also besegmented. Additionally, the delivery tray may be divided into differentsections (e.g. to represent individual dose times) with its positioncontrolled by a motor (not shown) to allow for preloading of severalcomplete doses (e.g. each of the daily doses for an entire days supplyof medications with each dose time in a separate compartment; thedelivery tray may have closable lids over each section replicating astandard daily pill container design).

The dispenser 100 dispenses appropriate quantities (i.e., doses ofmedications) at pre-determined times and it will notify the user of thedispenser 100 of its activities by visual and/or auditory means. Theprocess of dispensing involves a predispense procedure a period of timebefore the dose is due, where the appropriate medications are loadedfrom the bulk containers into the temporary storage container 128. Thispredispense procedure is relatively slow taking several minutes. At theappropriate time, the device alerts the patient that the medications aredue to be administered. The patient then instructs the machine,preferable through a single button push, to dispense the medicationdose. This step is rapid, taking only a few seconds, and involvessending the medications from the temporary storage container 128 intothe delivery tray 206. The patient then removes the delivery tray 206,takes their medications and replaces the delivery tray 206.

The dispenser 100 is programmed and contains confidential health-relatedinformation. The information about the patient that is stored in thedispenser 100 remains confidential. Appropriate software with securityand encryption, as needed, which limits access to the information viathe communications device 110, is used.

All time-based events are recorded in an electronic storage device,preferably a database, inside the dispenser 100. The dispenser 100provides programmability of at least, but not limited to, eight eventsper day, up to 20 dispensed items per event and as many of the sameitems as programmed (e.g., ten of the same pills per medication). Thedispenser 100 is programmable in either absolute time or relative time.

The dispenser 100 is programmable to execute specific rules for treatinglate or missed medications, and to respond to input data, usermessages/prompts and adherence/compliance actions. Although defaults maybe offered, all of the rules require approval of the patient's physicianor other qualified health care provider before implementation. Forexample, the following options may be selected for each rule related toa user who misses medications:

a) If dose is missed, do not make up;

b) If dose is missed, administer 0 to ½ of the missed dose plus the nextdose at the next time;

c) If dose is missed, administer the missed dose plus the next dose atthe next time.

Thus, rules may be set up depending on known pharmacokinetic propertiesof each specific medication such as the half-life of the items to bedispensed. For example, if the item has a half-life greater than 20hours, select option c) above. If the item has a half-life greater than8 hours but less than or equal to 20 hours, select option b) above. Ifthe item has a half-life of less than or equal to 8 hours, select optiona) above. The rules could easily be programmed with defaults based onintelligent pharmacokinetics and standard industry practices.

Other rules could be based solely on the time delay in retrieving itemsfrom the dispenser 100 after a scheduled dispensing time. For example,if the scheduled dose is 2-4 hours late, then the next dose will beprepared one hour late and an alarm will sound one hour late. If thescheduled dose is greater than or equal to 4 hours late, then the devicewill prepare a substitute dose according to:

a) If medication half-life is greater than 20 hours, guarantee a fulldaily dose;

b) If medication half-life is greater than 8 hours but less than orequal to 20 hours, guarantee a dose, reduced by about 25%, aim for 75%,range 50-100%; and

c) If mediation half-life is less than or equal to 8 hours, skipadditional dosage and just administer a routine dosage.

The following are example rules that may be programmed into thedispenser 100. For Neurontin 400 milligrams (mg), having a half-life of6 hours and a daily dose of 2/2/2/2 (number of pills per scheduledevent), and where the patient misses the second dose (i.e., 2 pills or800 mg) by 2-4 hours, then doses 3 and 4 are given one hour later thanpreviously scheduled. If the patient misses the second dose by greaterthan 4 hours, then the patient would get a total of 6 pills in the day(i.e., the second dose is discarded).

For Phenobarbital 30 mg, having a half-life of 72 hours and a daily doseof three times (90 mg) per day, no matter when the patient takes themedication, the dispenser 100 ensures that the last dose of the day isdispensed so that the patient receives 90 mg for the day.

For Tegretol, having a half-life of 12 hours and a daily dose of 2 pillsthree times per day, and where the patient misses the second dose by 2-4hours, then subsequent doses are given 1 hour later than previouslyscheduled. If the patient misses a dose by more than 4 hours, then thedispenser 100 ensures that the patient receives at least 50% of themissed dosage plus the remaining daily dose, with a target of receiving75% of the daily dose.

The dispenser 100 is intrinsically electrically and mechanically safe tooperate in a household environment. That is, it is electrically,thermally and sound insulated, and it does not have moving parts orother potential hazards exposed to the user.

The dispenser 100 is energized by means of a common household powersource, but it is capable of operating with a power back-up system. Thatis especially important where the items being stored inside thedispenser 100 need to be maintained in a conditioned environment.

To prevent waste, the dispenser 100 automatically restocks items fromthe temporary storage container 128 to the bulk items storage container124 when an item is not retrieved by the user within the appropriatetime period. This is a cost effective means of avoiding producing wastedmedications.

The dispenser 100 is programmable to automatically perform a systemcheck on a routine basis. Status information is communicated to theuser, the health care provider, and/or a third party, as needed.

The method of operating the dispenser 100 will now be described withreference to FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 4 is a cross-section perspective view ofanother embodiment of an items dispenser 400. Compared to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-3, the embodiment of the dispenser 400 shown in FIGS.4-7 includes an items selector 418 that, like the items selector 118, isdynamically moved by the motor 116 in an up and down manner. The primaryfunction of the items selector 418 is to move selected items from onelocation to another within the dispenser 400. In the configurationsshown in FIG. 4, the items selector 418 is interconnected to andslidably attached to a gear 420, which could be a lead screw drive orother suitable device, that is mounted to the housing 402. Thus, theitems selector 418 can be moved to any position along the gear 420.Mechanical limit-switches are used to control the range of mechanicalmovement of the items selector 418 within the space defined by thesupport 214 and the base 202.

The items selector 418 includes a probe 430 which is alongitudinally-extending flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid hollow tube witha tip on one end that is extendable through opening 404 on the support214 and into an opening 406 disposed on the bottom of each of the bulkitems storage containers 124. The opening 406 will have a door or besmaller than any of the items in the containers 124. The other end ofthe probe 430 is preferably connected to the aforementioned vacuum motor117 via a vacuum tube 412. The vacuum system allows the tip of the itemsselector 418 to physically connect with and push upward a selected itemstored in the bulk items storage containers 124.

Before an item is due to be dispensed according to a pre-programmedschedule, the microprocessor 114 activates the motor 416 and rotates thecarousel 208 to a desired position. Then the motor 116 raises the tip ofthe items selector 418 into and through the appropriate individualstorage receptacle 126 of the bulk items storage container 124. At thesame time, the motor 116 activates the vacuum pump 117 to develop asuction through the vacuum tube 412 and a head pressure at the tip ofthe probe 430. The microprocessor 114 utilizes appropriate feedbacktransducers to detect when an item 508 (see FIG. 5) has been “captured”by the tip of the probe 430 of the items selector 418. At this point inthe process, the delivery chute 210 is in a first position that isdetermined by the microprocessor 114, which sends instructions to themotor 416 to raise or lower the delivery chute 210. FIG. 4 also shows ahinged plate device 410 that, when the plates are abutting in a closedposition forms a chute to enable the item to be transferred to thetemporary storage container 128. When the hinge plates are in theabutting closed position, a small hole is present surrounding the itemsselector 418 such that no appreciable gap is present between the hingeplates of the hinge plate device 410 and the items dispenser 418. Thehinged plate device 410 is controlled by the microprocessor 114 andoperated by the motor 422.

As shown in FIG. 5, when an item 508 is captured by the items selector418, it is moved vertically to a position proximate the hinged platedevice 410 by way of the gear 420. The microprocessor 114 then turns thevacuum off either by turning the vacuum pump 117 off, diverting thevacuum, or reversing the vacuum, which causes the selected item 508 tofall onto the hinged plate device 410 and into the temporary storagecontainer 128. The hinged plate device 410 may also be used to removethe item 508 by first closing around the tip of the items selector 418and then lowering the item selector 418. Thus, even if turning thevacuum off, diverting the vacuum, or reversing the vacuum does not causethe item 508 to fall into the temporary storage container 128, thehinged plate device 410 will force it off of the tip of the itemsselector 418.

Not shown in FIG. 5 is an optical recognition device or other sensortype that is used to sense the presence of the item 508 on the tip ofthe probe 430 as the item selector is moved into its upper-mostposition. Also not shown is a mass sensor associated with the itemsselector 418 or hinged plate device 410 that can detect an incrementalchange in weight of those devices, or another sensing device, as a meansto sense the presence of the item 508.

The process of selecting an item 508 from the individual storagereceptacles 126 is repeated until all the items for a specific,scheduled dispensing period are collected in the temporary storagecontainers 128. This pre-dispensed step is accomplished within asufficient time period before the scheduled dispensing time (e.g., anhour before).

At the scheduled time, the microprocessor 114 then energizes thecommunications device 110, in particular the audible and/or visual alertcomponent of the communications device 110, to inform the user that theitems are ready to be retrieved. When the user presses an appropriatebutton on the keypad interface on the communications device 110, themicroprocessor 114 activates the motor 416, which causes the deliverychute 210 to move vertically upward, as shown in FIG. 6 by the arrow602, thereby allowing the item 508 in the temporary storage container128 to move down the delivery chute 210 to the delivery tray 206 whereit can be collected by hand. If the item 508 is not retrieved, after apre-determined amount of time (for example, one hour), then themicroprocessor 114 activates the motor 416, which causes the deliverychute 210 to move downward, as shown in FIG. 7, thereby allowing theitem 508 to slide back into the respective individual bulk items storagereceptacles 126. Both of those events are recorded and the informationmay be sent to the health care provider or a third party for datastorage and retrieval.

Turning now to FIG. 8, shown therein is a partial perspective view ofanother embodiment according to the present invention. In thatembodiment, a temporary storage container 802 is rotatably mounted on ahinge or pivot 804 that is interconnected to the motor 116 (or motor416). The temporary storage container 802 includes a plurality ofindividual temporary storage receptacles 802 a, 802 b. Although only twoindividual temporary storage receptacles are shown, one of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the temporary storage container802 may include many more individual temporary storage receptacles.Preferably, each individual temporary storage receptacle 802 a, 802 bhas a concave or sloped floor.

The temporary storage container 802 is disposed between a dispensingtray 806 and a bulk items storage container 808. Each bulk items storagereceptacle includes a plurality of individual bulk items storagereceptacles 808 a, 808 b, etc.

In operation, the microprocessor 114 activates the motor 116 and lowersthe tip of the items selector 118 into the appropriate individualstorage receptacle 808 a, 808 b, etc. within the bulk items storagecontainer 808. At the same time, the motor 116 activated the vacuum pump117 to obtain suction through the vacuum tube 412 (not shown). Themicroprocessor 114 utilizes appropriate feedback transducers to detectwhen an item has been captured by the tip of the items selector 118,418.

If an item is captured by the items selector 118, 418, it is positionedproximate to one of the individual temporary storage receptacles 802 a,802 b and dropped into the appropriate receptacle. That process isrepeated until all of the items are properly placed into an appropriatetemporary receptacle. At the appropriate time, the microprocessor 114then energizes the communications device 110, in particular the audibleand/or visual alert component of the communications device 110, toinform the user that the items are ready to be retrieved. The user thenpresses a button on the communications device 110 which activates themotor 116 and rotates the temporary storage container 802 and causes theitems in the temporary storage container 802 to drop into the dispensingtray 806. The user can retrieve the dispensing tray 806, collect theitems, and then return the dispensing tray 806 to the dispenser 100. Ifthe items are not retrieved, after a pre-determined amount of time (forexample, one hour), then the microprocessor 114 activates the motor 116and rotates the temporary storage container 802 and causes the items inthe temporary storage container 802 to drop into the bulk items storagecontainer 808. Both of those events are recorded and the information issent to the health care provider or a third party. Lids or covers 810,812 may be used to prevent spills.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of still another embodimentaccording to the present invention. In that embodiment, a bulk itemsstorage container 902, having two rows of individual bulk items storagereceptacles 902 a, 902 b, etc. are located inside the dispenser 100.Each individual bulk items storage receptacle 902 a, 902 b, etc.preferably has a sloped or concave bottom as shown by the broken line908.

A rotatable support tray 906 is disposed proximate the two rows ofindividual bulk items storage receptacles 902 a, 902 b, etc. The supporttray 906 can be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner.

A removable dispensing tray 910 is designed to be placed on the supporttray 906. The dispensing tray has a plurality of individual dispensingtray receptacles 910 a, 910 b, etc. Lids or covers 912, 914 may be usedto prevent spills.

A sensor transducer 914 (not shown) is used to detect the presence ofthe dispensing tray 910. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that any suitable sensor could be used, including, but notlimited to, an optical or mass sensor.

In operation, the user can retrieve the dispensing tray 910 after it isfilled, collect the items, and then return the dispensing tray 910 tothe dispenser 100. If the items are not retrieved, after apre-determined amount of time (for example, one hour), then themicroprocessor 114 activates the motor 116 and rotates the support tray906 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner, allowing the items inthe dispensing tray 910 to drop into the bulk items storage receptacle902. Both of those events are recorded and the information is sent tothe health care provider or a third party.

The communications device 110 interface will now be further described.Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a drawing of a typical graphicaluser interface (GUI) display used by a health care practitioner to entercommands and information into the dispenser 100 of the presentinvention. The GUI display shown is a patient selection screen 1002,which is displayed after a login screen. Preferably, the GUI screen 1002is displayed on a client computer monitor located at a health careprovider's facility that is in data communication with the dispenser 100via a communications network, such as the Internet. A similar displaycan be provided on the communications device 110 on the dispenser 100.

The GUI screen 1002 shows three rows of information 1004, 1006, 1008,corresponding to three different items to be dispensed, in this case,medications (i.e., “Med 1,” “Med 2,” and “Med 3”). “B” refers to brandedmedications; “G” refers to generic medications; “C” refers to continuinguse; “pm” refers to as-needed medications; “T1” refers to time 1, etc.;“prot” refers to protocol; “disp” refers to dispense; “P-a” refers to adefined protocol; and “titr” refers to titration in progress. One ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the specific types ofinformation that may be displayed to the health care practitioner canvary from the information described above and shown in FIG. 10, or itcan be displayed on different screens that may be drilled down from afirst navigation screen or navigation tool displayed on the GUI screen1002.

Several drill down menu selections are provided to the health careprofessional. For example:

C1: medication (select medication/dose from list of preferredmedications (the device can include a comprehensive medication databaselisting medication names and pill sizes and if generic available, oraccess such a database from an Internet web site);

C2: select Brand or Generic (if generic available or alternative inmedication list);

C3: usage (continuing or pm or titration; if pm then popup table forrules (# of pills, minimum time between doses, maximum number in a day;optimally, display this in time columns so all continuing meds listedfirst, pms at bottom; also have option here for titration;

C4: enter times (option for week or every day dosing, includes buttonfor “other schedule”; 4×7 grid without dates but with day labels ontop);

C8a: protocols for missed medications;

C9: (number of days or number of months or number of pills; ifpreviously prescribed displays last supply and date of script or lastrefill; default blank field);

C10: refills (displays number of refills remaining if previouslyprescribed; default is zero);

C11: number of pills remaining in dispenser 100;

C12: missed doses in past 30 days for continuing medications;

C13: dose changes and by who;

C14: notes (entered by health care provider; to be displayed when itemshas been dispensed or pre-dispensed for).

Other drill-down menu options should include: pre-dispense items n hoursprior to scheduled time; if item is a medication and is not taken withinx1 hours, shift dosing clock; if item is a medication and is not takenwithin x2 hours, plan for adjusted dose. An option to call apre-determined phone number of a relative or other third party if itemsare missed after three hours or after two consecutive doses are missed.

Another display screen allows the dispenser 100 to be programmed withpersonal information (security is provided to comply with HIPAArequirements):

Name;

DOB;

ID number;

pharmacy name and phone number (fax);

Dispenser 100 identification number;

Insurance info;

Price of items (insurance tier) to insurance and patient whenprescribed.

Another drill down menu shows the current contents of each temporarystorage receptacle and each bulk items storage receptacle. Yet anotherdrill down menu shows a medication history. Still another drill downmenu provides access history. Preferably, the display will include afinal “Accept” button and confirmation message for the health careprovider (e.g., changes sent to dispenser and pharmacy).

Text messages communicated to the user of the dispenser 100 on thecommunications device 100 (i.e., alpha-numeric-symbolic liquid crystaldisplay screen) include changes to medication dose (e.g., automaticmessage to patient. “Dr. Berg has increased your Coumadin to 2 pills onSunday and Thursday”; “Hi Ms. Clark, the INR was a little low at 1.7 soI increased the Coumadin”; “If you have any questions please call myoffice at 555-5555,—Dr. Berg”). Other messages remind the user to refillthe dispenser 100 (e.g., “The refill of medication x, medication y, andmedication z, should be ready at the Winton Road pharmacy (555-5555).You have only 6 days supply remaining of medication x, 5 days ofmedication y and 7 days of medication z.”).

One of the important functions of the dispenser 100 is the ability of ahealth care provider to titrate the user's prescribed medicationprotocol or medication therapy regimen. For example, if a health careprovider determines that a patient requires neurontin, the health careprovider can enter a target dose and the changes to the prescribedmedication protocol or medication therapy regimen to achieve that dose.The example below illustrates such a titration for Neurontin.

EXAMPLE 1 Neurontin titration; days 10-12

Neurontin 8 AM Noon 5 PM 10 PM Target dose 800 800 800 1000 Days 1-3 200Days 4-6 400 400 Days 7-9 400 400 400 400 Days 10-12 800 400 400 800Days 13-15 800 800 800 800 Target dose 800 800 800 1000

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the disclosedinvention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains thatvariations and modifications of the various embodiments shown anddescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention belimited only to the extent required by the appended claims and theapplicable rules of law.

1. An automated items dispensing apparatus comprising: at least onestorage receptacle containing an item; a longitudinally extending hollowfirst member having a plurality of through holes disposed on a proximateend of the first member, wherein the first member is displaceablebetween a first position and a second position; at least one temporarystorage receptacle proximate the at least one storage receptacle,wherein the temporary storage receptacle has a first opening forreceiving the item from the storage receptacle and a second opening fordischarging the item to one of the plurality of through holes, andwherein the second opening and the one of the plurality of through holesare aligned upon the first member being advanced from the first positionto the second position which allows the item to discharge from thesecond opening to the aligned one of the plurality of through holes; anda dispensing receptacle adjacent a distal opening of the first memberfor receiving the discharged item.
 2. The apparatus according to claim1, further comprising a third position, wherein when the first member isadvanced from the first position to the third position the item isallowed to discharge back to the at least one storage receptacle.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for preventingthe item from moving from the at least one temporary storage receptacleinto the first member or into the at least one storage receptacle exceptduring discharge.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a motor interconnected to the first member for causing thefirst member to advance from the first position to the second position.5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: amicroprocessor operatively connected to the motor; and a communicationsdevice for receiving electronic instruction commands sent remotely fromthe apparatus.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the itemis a medicament.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein themedicament is one of a medication package, individual tablet, andindividual capsule.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a vacuum device for transferring the item from the at leastone storage receptacle to the at least one temporary storage receptacle.9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum devicecomprises: a probe having a tip for retrieving the item; and a hingedplate device for directing the item away from the probe and into the atleast one temporary storage receptacle.
 10. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting the position of thedispensing receptacle.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a lid adapted to cover the at least one storage receptacleand the at least one temporary storage receptacle.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one storage receptacle andthe at least one temporary storage receptacle has a sloped bottom. 13.An automated items dispensing apparatus comprising: at least one storagereceptacle containing a medicament; a longitudinally extending hollowfirst member having a plurality of through holes disposed on a proximateend of the first member, wherein the first member is displaceablebetween a first position and a second position; at least one temporarystorage receptacle proximate each of the plurality of through holes,wherein the at least one temporary storage receptacle has a firstopening for receiving the medicament from the at least one storagereceptacle and a second opening for discharging the medicament to one ofthe plurality of through holes, and wherein the second opening and theone of the plurality of through holes are aligned upon the first memberbeing advanced from the first position to the second position; adispensing receptacle adjacent a distal opening of the first member forreceiving the medicament; and a probe device for transferring themedicament from the at least one storage receptacle to the at least onetemporary storage receptacle.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13,further comprising a third position, wherein when the first member isadvanced from the first position to the third position the item isallowed to discharge back to the at least one storage receptacle. 15.The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means forpreventing the item from moving from the at least one temporary storagereceptacle into the first member or into the at least one storagereceptacle except during discharge.
 16. The apparatus according to claim13, further comprising a motor interconnected to the first member forcausing the first member to advance from the first position to thesecond position.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, furthercomprising: a microprocessor operatively connected to the motor; and acommunications device for receiving electronic instruction commands sentremotely from the apparatus.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the medicament is one of a medication package, individualtablet, and individual capsule.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the probe device comprises: a vacuum probe having a tip forretrieving the item; and a hinged plate device for directing the itemaway from the vacuum probe and into the at least one temporary storagereceptacle.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprisinga sensor for detecting the position of the dispensing receptacle. 21.The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a lid adapted tocover the at least one storage receptacle and the at least one temporarystorage receptacle.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein theat least one storage receptacle and the at least one temporary storagereceptacle has a sloped bottom.
 23. An automated small items dispensingapparatus comprising: a storage container comprising at least onestorage receptacle, wherein the at least one storage receptacle isadapted to containing an item; at least one temporary storage container;at least one dispensing receptacle spaced apart from the at least onestorage receptacle; and a longitudinally extending first member disposedbetween the at least one storage receptacle and the at least onedispensing receptacle and having at least one individual temporarystorage receptacle, wherein the first member is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis between a first position and a second position,whereby in the first position the first member is adapted to receive theitem into the at least one individual temporary storage receptacle, andin the second position the first member is adapted to discharge the itemfrom the at least one temporary storage container into the at least onedispensing receptacle.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, furthercomprising a motor interconnected to the first member for causing thefirst member to rotate about the longitudinal axis from the firstposition to the second position.
 25. The apparatus according to claim23, further comprising: a microprocessor operatively connected to themotor; and a communications device for receiving electronic instructioncommands sent remotely from the apparatus.
 26. The apparatus accordingto claim 23, further comprising a vacuum device for transferring theitem from the at east one storage container to the at least onetemporary storage container.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 23,wherein the item is a medicament.
 28. The apparatus according to claim27, wherein the medicament is one of a medication package, individualtablet, and individual capsule.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 23,wherein the at least one temporary storage receptacle has a bottom doorthat is adapted to open for discharging the item to a second dispensingreceptacle.
 30. An automated small items dispensing apparatuscomprising: at least one storage container containing an item; aremovable dispensing tray having at least one receptacle for receivingthe item; means for transferring the item from the storage container tothe at least one receptacle; and a longitudinally extending base forsupporting the dispensing tray, wherein the base is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis between a first position and a second position,whereby in the first position the dispensing tray is adapted to beingremoved from the base, and in the second position the dispensing tray isadapted to discharge the item from the at least one receptacle into theat least one storage container.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 30,further comprising a sensor for detecting the position of the dispensingtray on the base.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein themeans for transferring the item from the storage receptacle to the atleast one receptacle comprises a vacuum device.
 33. The apparatusaccording to claim 30, further comprising a lid adapted to cover the atleast one receptacle.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 30, whereinthe at least one receptacle has a sloped bottom. 35.-39. (canceled) 40.A method of dispensing an item according to a pre-determined dispensingprotocol, comprising the steps of: providing an automated dispensingapparatus comprising: at least one storage container containing an item;a removable dispensing tray having at least one receptacle for receivingthe item; means for transferring the item from the storage container tothe at least one receptacle; and a longitudinally extending base forsupporting the dispensing tray, wherein the base is rotatable about itslongitudinal axis between a first position and a second position,whereby in the first position the dispensing tray is adapted to beingremoved from the base, and in the second position the dispensing tray isadapted to discharge the item from the at least one receptacle into theat least one storage container; causing the item to be moved from thestorage container to the at least one receptacle; notifying a user ofthe item; and upon failing to receive an instruction from the user,advancing the base to the second position and restocking the item in thestorage container.